Honda FCX Concept Arrival

Atom Smasher: A hydrogen fuel-cell car in two years-guaranteed

The hydrogen atom that hovered in the center of the power gauge was big and orange and staring back ominously. Hal? Is that you? Even if it wasn't the deranged computer from "2001: A Space Odyssey," it still looked displeased with my profligate rate of H2 consumption.At the moment, the Honda FCX Concept was swishing down the pit straight at Laguna Seca Raceway like a horizontal elevator as its 127 electric horsepower and estimated 4000 pounds of curb weight lawyerly interpreted the laws of motion. "So?" asked the Honda engineer seated next to me. "What do you think of it?""The steering's numbness would be the envy of an anesthesiologist," I answered, "but it really doesn't matter right now, does it?"

Why? Because this is a prototype created to demonstrate Honda's latest fuel-cell-vehicle technology, not vehicle dynamics. Earlier in the day, much of Honda's prime engineering brain matter was assembled to tell us in no uncertain terms to delete all mental files about the hydrogen car being a 20-year-away proposition. Said John Mendel, senior vice president, "The car you will drive today is a working prototype of Honda's next-generation hydrogen-powered sedan that will go into production-and into the hands of customers-in about two years." Pressed for exactitude, Honda pledged to begin placing FCXs in driveways by December 2008 (probably via leasing). In addition to its exhaust being drinkable water, it's a time machine-how else to travel 20 years in two?

The prime technical advance making this possible is a fuel-cell power generator that now drains its water vertically (via gravity) and is so diminutive it can reside beneath the driver's right armrest. Other tech treats include a motor that's coaxial with the front axle (saving space) and a lithium battery pack under the back seat to stow brake-regenerated power. All told, the FCX Concept is nearly twice as efficient as a current compact hybrid, will travel 270 miles (EPA combined cycle) on a tank (now 45-gallon capacity, but still pressured to 5000 psi), and is ready to go again after a five-minute refill. And where will the hydrogen come from? Trust us, we're working on it, the Honda brains calmly reply. Of all the major manufacturers, Honda is almost awkwardly committed to an H2 future. Crazy? Honda also seemed crazy in the 1970s, when it introduced the CVCC engine. Remember?